Episode4

The wedding was over.

The applause had faded. The guests were gone. The cameras packed away.

And now, the house stood quiet.

Li Wei stepped into the grand apartment Zhao Yan had arranged for them. The place was breathtaking—clean lines, marble floors, and floor-to-ceiling windows that looked over the glittering city skyline. But to Li Wei, it felt like a luxury hotel room someone forgot to check into. Too perfect. Too cold.

No warmth. No signs of life.

He stood in the doorway for a moment, suitcase in hand, unsure if he was even supposed to call this place home.

A housekeeper greeted him politely and handed him a note.

> “I’ve gone on a business trip for a few days. There are meetings overseas that can’t be delayed. Don’t wait up.”

—Zhao Yan

No "take care."

No "congratulations."

No "see you soon."

Just cold ink on expensive paper.

Li Wei read the note twice before folding it carefully and placing it on the counter like it might shatter. He didn’t know what hurt more—Zhao Yan leaving the night of their wedding or the fact that he hadn’t expected anything else.

---

The house was too large for one person.

Li Wei wandered through the living room, running his fingers gently along the edge of the furniture. Everything was pristine—gray sofas, glass tables, black-and-white art on the walls. It looked like a model home. Untouched. Emotionless.

Just like Zhao Yan.

Li Wei’s own room was smaller and tucked toward the back. Clearly separate from Zhao Yan’s master bedroom.

He stood in front of the tall mirror again, still in his wedding suit, though the jacket was now off and his hair slightly tousled. He looked tired. Eyes too quiet. Smile long gone.

He whispered to his reflection, “Did you really think he’d stay?”

No answer. Only silence.

---

That night, he made himself a cup of tea in the quiet kitchen. The housekeeper had left after preparing dinner, leaving the space even lonelier. He didn’t eat much. Just nibbled at rice and vegetables in silence.

Outside the windows, the city pulsed with lights and life. But inside… Li Wei curled on the end of the couch with a blanket draped around his shoulders.

There were no footsteps in the hall.

No voice calling his name.

No weight shifting beside him.

He was married.

But he’d never felt more alone.

---

In the middle of the night, Li Wei woke up suddenly. He wasn’t sure what startled him. Maybe a dream. Maybe the strange quiet.

He sat up, breathing softly, and glanced at the door.

Still no Zhao Yan.

Of course not.

He walked barefoot to the living room, turning on only a small lamp. The soft golden light warmed the edge of the sofa, where he sat again—hugging his knees.

He stared at his phone.

No messages.

He typed a simple one.

> Are you eating well?

Then stared at it for a long time.

And deleted it.

Instead, he put his phone down and whispered to the silence:

> “I don’t know how to be your husband… if you won’t even be here.”

Tears didn’t fall. Not yet. He had grown used to swallowing them. But a small ache nestled itself in his chest, and that was worse. Because it stayed.

---

The clock ticked.

Outside, the world kept turning.

Inside, Li Wei waited in a house built for two—

occupied by one.

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